ADPH welcomes plans to Keep Britain Working

We have welcomed the Government’s plans to tackle health-related economic inactivity across Britain and support more working age adults to participate in safe work.

Around 2.8 million people are economically inactive because of ill health or disability across Britain, while a significant portion of working age adults are working with health conditions or facing additional barriers that limit their participation in work.

Welcoming the Government’s plans, Ruth Tennant, ADPH Board Member and Director of Public Health for Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said:

“This report rightly recognises that supporting people to stay in work is key to driving growth and productivity. Not only will tackling this issue boost our economy, but it will also support people to lead healthier, happier lives.

“With a number of successful initiatives already in place around the country, we particularly welcome the Government’s commitment to deliver this work through local leadership and in partnership with employers, alongside placing a greater emphasis on sharing data and intelligence.

“If implemented well and properly resourced, this agenda can deliver significant benefits. However, it needs good local engagement and clarity on roles and responsibilities. Directors of Public Health, who have a proven track record of promoting safe work and reducing the impact of ill health on employment, are integral to the wider mission of improving the health of working aged adults.”